NFL 2015: The X-factor for all 32 teams
Eric Fisher – Kansas City Chiefs
When the Kansas City Chiefs drafted Eric Fisher out of Central Michigan with the first-overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, they thought the left side of the offensive line was settled for a decade. Instead, Fisher has been the picture of inconsistency over his first two years. After playing right tackle as a rookie (and looking miserable), Fisher was put on the left side after Branden Albert signed with the Miami Dolphins last offseason.
In 2014, Fisher started all 16 games at left tackle and ranked 72nd out of 84 tackles in the NFL, per PFF. Fisher was beaten with power moves, especially toward the inside, all year. However, Fisher did begin to play much better toward the end of the year, posting positive grades in four of his last five contests. The athleticism is there, and with a full offseason to work at the same position, Fisher must prove he was worth the investment.
Ty Sambrailo – Denver Broncos
Few teams are going ot rely on their offensive line more than the Denver Broncos in 2015. After changing head coaches from John Fox to Gary Kubiak, the scheme will be based on a zone-blocking concept. With that, the Broncos will need athletic players up front to move the opposition and create holes for third-year running back C.J. Anderson. This is where rookie Ty Sambrailo comes in.
Sambrailo was initially going to play right tackle but has been switched to the left side after Ryan Clady went down in OTAs with a season-ending torn ACL. Furthermore, Sambrailo is protecting the blind-side of quarterback Peyton Manning, who for all his greatness has the mobility of a rock. If Sambrailo can’t step into Clady’s role and thrive, Denver is in serious trouble.
Melvin Ingram – San Diego Chargers
When Melvin Ingram was drafted with the 18th-overall pick of the 2012 NFL Draft, he was supposed to come in and replace Shawne Merriman’s production. Instead, Ingram has been nothing but an unequivocal bust through his first three campaigns, mustering six sacks in his career. Ingram has also dealt with constant injuries, limiting him to nine games in 2013 and only four in 2014.
This season is make-or-break for Ingram. The 6-foot-2, 265-pound outside linebacker needs to make strides if San Diego is going to believe in him long-term. Last year, Ingram began to flash his potential with four sacks in as many games, only to go down with hip injury. The Chargers are in desperate need of a pass-rusher, something Ingram must become in short order.
Michael Crabtree – Oakland Raiders
The Oakland Raiders are rebuilding again, but this time it appears they are getting it right. After hiring head coach Jack Del Rio, general manager Reggie McKenzie went out and acquired inside linebacker Curtis Lofton, nose tackle Dan Williams, center Rodney Hudson and wide receiver Michael Crabtree in free agency. Crabtree will pair with first-round pick Amari Cooper to be the primary weapons for Derek Carr.
For this offense to work, Crabtree has to be a capable receiver. His contract of one year and $3.2 million shows a few things. First, not one team believed he was worth a multi-year deal and second, he needs to prove himself. Crabtree could vault Oakland into a sneaky contender if he can combine with Cooper to become a formidable duo. The Raiders must get a productive year from the 27-year-old, much more than his 698 yards and four touchdowns in 2014.
Next: NFC East X-factors